CazRail's Workbench: A bit of this, a bit of that.

[CazRail]

Another Bachmann 37422 re-numbered, a simple little project to get my mojo back up and running. 

 

This time, I've chosen 37420 'The Scottish Hosteller' to go with 37429 'Eisteddfod Genedlaethol' that I did 3 years ago.

 

 

Number and overhead warning transfers supplied by Railtec, plates from Fox. I chose 420 for a couple of reasons. First, it had a Welsh dragon on one of it's headcode boxes, secondly it had a mixture of the old and new overhead warning stickers, as if someone at EWS only bothered to change the ones that were easily reached. Happy with it so far, this one needs a Welsh dragon, some 'roughening up', and a coat of varnish before it's finished. 429 might have some more work done to it aswell whilst I'm at it. 

 

The factory weathered on these is pretty abysmal, so I used a cotton bud with IPA to clean up the bodysides, leaving a bit here and there, particularly along the bottom. This really improves the look of these.

 

Thanks for looking,

Caz

[CazRail]

A project which has been a slow burner is re-painting some stock for @JackB95, consisting of a class 150 and 158 into TfW, and a class 60 as a GBRf machine. 

The class 150 is about 98% there now, with just final small transfers to add and a few coats of varnish to seal. 

 

Completed using Precision Decals, which usually I try to avoid using as I don't get on very well with them, however I'm happy with the end result.

 

Jack will be collecting this unit on his way through next week, and then it'll be the class 158's turn through the works.

 

This one has been a slow burner, mostly between dad duties and work, with a dash of mojo loss in between, but with longer evenings, the 158 and 60 should be much quicker. 

Edited June 19, 2023 by CazRail

[CazRail]

A quick catch up on my own projects, which isn't a whole lot if I'm honest. 

 

The 37 in the second to last post was a 'mojo inducing' project, so whilst I was at it, I decided to tackle my Regional Railways 158, which was long overdue it's re-number.  To my surprise,  I found that @railtec-models now produce Wales & West transfers, including Alphaline for the 158s. Perfect! 

 

This was then re-numbered to 158834, perfect for the late 90s/early 2000s Holyhead-Cardiff Central run!

 

Now if Bachmann produce a Central Trains class 158, I have some transfers ready for it....(I'm not re-painting that livery!!)

Edited June 19, 2023 by CazRail

[CazRail]

In the last post, I said...

"Now if Bachmann produce a Central Trains class 158, I have some transfers ready for it....(I'm not re-painting that livery!!)"

They must have been listening 👀

 

So, another 158 job this evening, involving Bachmanns new release of Central Trains.

 

Within minutes of mine being out of the box, I set to work removing all of the Central Trains branding and numbers, for it to become Wales & Borders Trains' 158845.

Before --> After.

 

The branding was removed using a cocktail stick, rubbing the branding and numbers. Transfers provides, as with most of my projects, by Railtech.

 

Job's a good'n.

Edited September 18, 2023 by CazRail

[CazRail]

A new arrival today, Bachmann new tooled 37, 37422 in EWS livery. A nice model, but I think compared to Accurascale's offering, has a couple of drawbacks. Eight screws to secure the body is overkill(are screws even needed?), and the cables/plug socket connectors between the chassis and body let it down.

 

The biggest let down cosmetically are the miniature snowploughs. I've not bothered with the Bachmann ones, and have chosen to fit Accurascale ones to 422. Takes a bit of chopping here and there, but it's 100% worth it. There's even holes, like on Accurascale's model, to take the side ploughs.

 

When I get the chance, I'll fit the rest of 422's front end detail, then weather it to 2008 condition.

 

For me, atleast, Accurascale's loco takes the battle of the tractors. 

 

Edited November 1, 2023 by CazRail

[CazRail]

Just been taking the first few steps of preparing 37422 for weathering, and had my ViTrains 37405 alongside.

Of course, detail-wise there's no competition, but shape-wise, the ViTrains example certainly stands up! 

 

Now, when will Accurascale announce an EWS loco?!

 

Regards, 

Carwyn

[McC]

12 minutes ago, CazRail said:

Just been taking the first few steps of preparing 37422 for weathering, and had my ViTrains 37405 alongside.

Of course, detail-wise there's no competition, but shape-wise, the ViTrains example certainly stands up! 

 

Now, when will Accurascale announce an EWS loco?!

 

Regards, 

Carwyn

https://www.accurascale.com/en-eu/collections/locomotives/livery_ews

[CazRail]

37422 weathered to 2008-ish condition. 

 

The paintwork on 422 was starting to get washed out, albeit kept reasonably clean. Matt varnish did most of the work here. Some subtle black panel line wash does a huge difference on the yellow ends and grilles.

[CazRail]

Merry Christmas to everyone! 

 

So another year is close to ending, and it's been another year of projects. A highlight for me was finishing the Anglesey Aluminium PAB coke hoppers, which will soon be joined by their intended traction, in the form of the Cavalex 56s! Other highlights include a class 150 and 158 painted into TfW livery, Bachmann Class 37 re-numbered into 37420 The Scottish Hosteller, and a few other bits and bobs.

 

So in 2024, it'll be more of the same...

 

- Spray up a class 60 as 60026 in GBRf/Beacon Rail Leasing livery, this one is a project for @JackB95, and has been in the queue for a good few months. This will be the first into the paint booth in the new year.

- Re-chassis for 150144(FNW) and 150256(ATW) to update them inline with Bachmann's latest 150s. 

- Complete lighting upgrades to ATW 57315.

- Refresh ATW mk2/3 WAG set, using my existing Mk2s, but replacing the Hornby Mk3 with an Oxford Rail example.

- Continue weathering the fleet, as and when.

 

Hope everyone's had an excellent Christmas, and wish all a very happy new year!

 

Carwyn(Caz).

Edited December 26, 2023 by CazRail